Free What He Didn't Say by Carol Stephenson Page A

around the table and circled his arm around her waist, drawing her close against the hard lines of his body, even as he took his mouth on a leisurely journey over her face. Her eyes drifted half-closed. When he rained kisses across her temple, her heart took a slow spin.
    Something trembled inside her, fragile as a rosebud about to bloom. Overwhelmed, she clung to his broad shoulders. He raised his head for a second, his smile slow and all too knowing. He ran a questing hand along the curve of her spine until he found the exposed flesh between the shirt and pants. She shuddered as the contact branded her.
    When he returned to her lips, the hunger in his kiss sent her sinking deep, deeper still into a stormy haze where raw needs sparked and threatened to flare.
    The dim banging sound of plastic striking plastic penetrated the sensual fog that enveloped Emma-Lee. She opened her eyes and saw as if from a distance sunlight pouring through the kitchen window. The Coltons’ kitchen window.
    She tensed. What was she doing? Free-falling into a firestorm of passion? She wasn’t prepared for that particular jump, at least not yet.
    Holt stilled and raised his head. His eyes were serious and veiled as if he had already withdrawn behind his protective wall. “What’s wrong?”
    She licked her swollen lips, tasting him. She would never forget his flavor as long as she lived.
    â€œI’m sorry.” Her voice came out as a half croak. She swallowed and tried again. “This is the wrong time, the wrong—”
    â€œWrong man?” Although his voice was flat, she heard the edge of vulnerability behind the question.
    â€œNo.” She shook her head. “The wrong place.”
    As if on cue, the toddler stopping hitting the cuppie on the tray and raised her arms. “Em-a-lee. Down. I want down.”
    Holt released her and she stepped away. She picked up the girl, carried her over to the playpen in the corner by the refrigerator, and placed her inside. From a nearby hamper overflowing with toys, she selected a few favorites and placed in the playpen a battered teddy bear, a set of stacking plastic rings and pop beads. The reprieve of the routine gave her a few moments to steady herself.
    She turned and caught Holt studying her with a stunned expression. Within the blink of an eye, though, his face resumed its usual enigmatic mask. Definitely, she wasn’t the only one thrown off balance by the kiss. Still, what did one say following a mind-blowing kiss? Shrug it off, she decided.
    â€œI know you need to get back to Atlanta, if you want to leave. Mooresville is only a short drive from here. I can get a lift from Jeff.”
    He paced toward her like a stalking panther. She backed up until she bumped into the fridge. Its gentle humming matched that of the pulsing of her blood. He halted and gently cupped her chin, forcing her eyes to meet his. “Emma-Lee?”
    She swallowed—hard. “Yes, Holt?”
    â€œThat wasn’t a kiss caused by situational hormones.” He lightly brushed his lips against hers.
    She almost sagged against him, but she managed to whisper, “It wasn’t?”
    â€œNo.” He sighed and pressed his forehead against hers. “I can’t promise you anything, but I only know that I have to see you again. I have meetings all week in Atlanta, but I can free up time next weekend.”
    She shook her head. “I’ll be in Darlington for the race.”
    â€œCan you dig up another pass for me?”
    â€œSure.” Disappointment mixed with relief. A whole week before she saw him again. Time enough to get her head straight without the dizzying influence of his presence.
    He lifted his head and stared out the window. “It’s a nice day.” Light gleamed in his eyes. “Why don’t we say our goodbyes to the Coltons and I’ll drive you home.”
    Â 
    H OLDING TWO HELMETS , Holt stood waiting in the driveway as